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The user expresses strong dissatisfaction with existing 'breastfeeding pillows,' calling them 'the most bulky and unnecessary item of all.' They suggest that if support were needed, it should be 'built into our bodies,' indicating a desire for a more natural, less intrusive, and less cumbersome solution than a separate, large pillow.
Is it possible to have too much tech when it comes to breastfeeding accessories? I think so. For some families, having the right gear makes breastfeeding possible, and that’s a good thing. But not everyone needs a shelf full of gadgets. In fact, overrelying on tech can sometimes create challenges rather than solve them. I explore this theme in depth in my new book, Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding. Several examples of BF gear and accessories that are often overused include: -nipple shields -passive silicone pumps -electric pumps -non-professional grade baby scale (for post-feed weights) -breastfeeding and infant tracking apps People usually try these gadgets to solve a BF problem, but sometimes the gadget can create a new problem or make things worse. How to know when BF accessories are useful? IMO, gear and accessories are useful when they positively benefit the breastfeeding relationship, make infant feeding more feasible, and enable families to achieve their BF goals. How to know when BF accessories are being overused? -Parents experience a reliance on the tech or app instead of reading the infant's cues. -Using the accessories makes feeding infinitely more stressful. -The accessories are impeding successful BF or are creating new challenges. This is not always a black and white issue. Some families find it stressful to use the accessories, but simultaneously feel that they really benefit infant feeding. Finding balance is the key. It's helpful to teach parents to use their own low-tech parenting and breastfeeding skills if possible. These might include: -reading feeding cues -responding when the baby displays feeding cues -hand expression -breast compression and gentle massage -skin-to-skin care Read more about breastfeeding tech and accessories (and developing breastfeeding skills!) in my book Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding. It's available from online bookstores, and the eBook format is still only $4.99 on Amazon! #breastfeedingaccessories #hightechbreastfeeding #lowtechbreastfeeding #protectbreastfeeding